George Michael began his career in music as half a musical duo knows as Wham!. For anyone who grew up in the 1980s, songs like “Last Christmas,” “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go,” and “Careless Whispers” would be instantly recognizable upon hearing. But that was just the beginning because when he finally released his solo album, George Michael’s legacy began. His debut solo album titled “Faith,” was an instant classic bestseller. With hit singles like “Faith,” “Father Figure,” and “Monkey;” Faith propelled George Michael to another realm of success and would define a sound for male pop singers for decades.
George Michael was born in in East Finchley, London to a Greek father from Cyprus and English mother of Jewish ancestry. While attending Bushley Meads School he met and became good friends with Andew Ridgeley. They both shared a dream to become music stars and love for music. Michael became involved in the London Underground and began performing regularly.
After roaming through several music groups, he formed Wham! with Andre Ridgeley. The duo’s first album Fantastic became reach number one in the UK in 1983, with several major singles released from the album. By 1984, Michael joined the ensemble known as BandAid to release the charitable funding single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” The ensemble included Bono, Sting, and members of Duran Duran. Eventually, this success would lead to his solo breakout.
Michael began having health problems in 2011 and would eventually suffer a fatal heart attack. His partner Fadi Fawaz said he found him deceased in his bed on Christmas day. Michael leaves behind a legacy of musical success that has been mimicked and recreated over many years since he release “Faith,” as well as a legacy of philanthropy through music and example.
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